Geography was important for Shippensburg lineman Cary Hess when it came to making a college choice.

But the comfort level with the coaching staff also played a role along with an academic path that could hopefully lead to medical school in the future.

Hess had offers from Colgate and Bucknell. The 6-4, 270-pound three-year starter visited both schools.

In the end, the decision to continue his career as a student-athlete at Bucknell was easy.

"I just wasn't all that wild about the campus at Colgate," said Hess, who was recently selected to play in the PSFCA East-West game. "When I went to Bucknell it just felt right."

A two-way starter in high school, Hess will most likely be an offensive tackle in college. And the fact Lewisburg is within reasonable distance and Hess was comfortable with the coaching staff sealed the deal.

"I really enjoyed what the coaching staff was saying. You can tell they are all into being at Bucknell and that felt good to me," Hess said. "I just liked their outlook and their approach to the game of football."

Hess, who also wrestles, knows the jump from a Wing-T offense to a pro-style set will require some adjustment, but he's eager to get into the playbook and start learning.

"I know the style of offense is a big difference," said Hess, who plans to major in biology with a path leading to medical school. "I've been wrestling and lifting so I've stayed in pretty good shape. I'll play wherever they want me, I don't care.

"I'm happy with the academics and that was important. And the coaching staff and their philosophy really helped."